Type I Gaucher Disease in Children With and Without Enzyme Therapy

This retrospective study describes the course of 56 children with non-neuronopathic Gaucher disease who presented at <16 years and were followed at 6- to 12-month intervals for 3-9 years. Massive splenomegaly and height retardation marked those who required treatment. Enzyme replacement significantly increased hemoglobin levels; platelet counts were divergent at presentation and follow-up, regardless of therapy. Among treated patients there was a significant reduction in liver and spleen index volumes, and a significant increase in height z-scores. None of the children required splenectomy or developed lung involvement. Many patients diagnosed due to large-scale screening were very mildly affected and remain untreated.